Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a comforting, creamy white gravy recipe made from scratch to elevate your meal. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy biscuits, crispy fried chicken, or mashed potatoes, white gravy is a Southern staple that’s surprisingly simple to make. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a quick white gravy that’s rich, smooth, and full of flavor.
If you’ve ever been intimidated by making homemade gravy, don’t worry—this recipe is as easy as it gets. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for those moments when you need a last-minute sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Want more sauce inspiration? Check out this Sausage Gravy Recipe for Breakfast Biscuits for another delicious and comforting gravy idea.
Why You’ll Love This White Gravy Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This 10-minute white gravy comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy mornings or quick dinners.
- Minimal Ingredients: With only four basic ingredients, you can make a flavorful, creamy gravy that pairs perfectly with various dishes.
- Customizable: Whether you like it thick or thin, you can adjust the consistency to your preference. Plus, you can easily add extra seasonings for a personalized touch.
- Budget-Friendly: With pantry staples like flour, butter, and milk, this is a cost-effective way to add richness and flavor to your meals.
Essential Ingredients for White Gravy
Here’s what you’ll need to create this easy homemade gravy:
- 1/4 cup butter (or bacon grease for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (you can also use 2% for a lighter option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a bit of cayenne for heat.
How to Make White Gravy
Making quick white gravy at home is incredibly simple. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a rich, creamy gravy ready in no time.
Make the Roux
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. If you’re using bacon grease for added flavor, melt it in the same way.
- Whisk in the flour: Once the butter is melted, gradually whisk in the flour. Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This is your roux, the base of the gravy.
Tip: Cook the roux until it’s just slightly golden to remove the raw flour taste, but don’t let it get too dark if you want a traditional white gravy.
Add the Milk
- Slowly add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, pouring slowly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking as the mixture starts to thicken.
- Bring to a simmer: Once the milk is fully incorporated, increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a simmer. As it heats up, it will begin to thicken.
Pro Tip: If the gravy gets too thick, simply add a bit more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Season and Simmer
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also include garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
- Simmer for a few minutes: Let the gravy simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Serve hot: Your easy homemade gravy is ready to serve! Pour it over biscuits, chicken, or any dish that needs a touch of creamy goodness.
Tips for Perfect White Gravy
- Whisk constantly: Whisking continuously as you add the milk helps prevent lumps from forming, ensuring a smooth, creamy gravy.
- Adjust the thickness: If your gravy is too thick, thin it out with a little more milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken.
- Don’t rush the roux: Cooking the roux for 1-2 minutes helps eliminate any raw flour taste, so don’t skip this step.
- Season well: Gravy can taste bland without enough seasoning. Be generous with salt and pepper, and feel free to add herbs or spices to suit your dish.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
This basic white gravy recipe can be customized in many ways to suit your taste:
- Sausage Gravy: Add cooked breakfast sausage to the gravy for a hearty, savory version perfect for biscuits.
- Herbed Gravy: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more elevated flavor profile.
- Cheesy Gravy: Melt in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a rich, cheesy gravy that’s perfect over vegetables or potatoes.
- Spicy Gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to give your gravy a little kick.
For more gravy ideas, take a look at this Delicious Turkey Gravy Recipe for Thanksgiving, which is ideal for holiday meals.
Serving Suggestions
White gravy pairs beautifully with many dishes. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:
- Biscuits and Gravy: A classic Southern breakfast dish, white gravy is perfect when served over fluffy buttermilk biscuits.
- Chicken Fried Steak: Drizzle your homemade gravy over crispy chicken fried steak for a hearty meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Use this quick white gravy as a simple yet delicious topping for mashed potatoes.
- Fried Chicken: Pair your white gravy with fried chicken or chicken tenders for a comfort food favorite.
- Vegetables: Pour the gravy over roasted or steamed vegetables for a creamy, flavorful side dish.
FAQs
1. Can I make white gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can make white gravy in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove, adding a bit of milk if it’s too thick.
2. Can I use low-fat milk?
Yes, you can use low-fat or skim milk for a lighter version. However, the gravy may not be as rich and creamy as when using whole milk.
3. How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?
The key to preventing lumps is to whisk continuously while adding the milk. Pour the milk in gradually and keep stirring for a smooth gravy.
4. What can I do if my gravy is too thick?
If your gravy becomes too thick, simply whisk in a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Can I freeze white gravy?
While you can freeze white gravy, the texture may change slightly when reheating. If you do freeze it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, adding extra milk as needed to smooth it out.
6. Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil or bacon grease in place of butter. Bacon grease adds extra flavor, while vegetable oil is a neutral alternative.
7. How can I make gluten-free white gravy?
To make gluten-free white gravy, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, such as a rice flour or cornstarch mixture.
8. Can I add meat to the gravy?
Absolutely! Crumbled sausage or ground beef can be cooked in the same pan before adding the flour to make a delicious meat-infused gravy.
This homemade white gravy recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, offering endless opportunities to enhance your favorite meals. Whether you’re serving it with biscuits, chicken, or potatoes, this quick and easy gravy will become a staple in your kitchen.
If you’re looking for more delicious sauces and sides, don’t miss this Sausage Gravy Recipe for Breakfast, which pairs perfectly with your morning biscuits. Enjoy!